Shopping In Chennai: Top 10 Destinations For Shopaholics

Indulge in vibrant shopping in Chennai, Tamil Nadu with diverse markets and experiences.

Planning to go shopping in Chennai? The capital of Tamil Nadu is a paradise for shopaholics, offering a wide variety of shopping experiences. Whether you’re looking for street markets brimming with local products or new-gen malls featuring international brands, Chennai has it all. From traditional silk sarees to advanced electronics, the city caters to every kind of shopper. This blog will guide you through the best shopping destinations in Chennai so you can explore its diverse retail market. Let’s explore!

Top 10 Places For Shopping In Chennai

Discover the best shopping destinations in Chennai India, from local bazaars to luxury malls, perfect for every kind of shopper.

1. Pondy Bazaar

Explore the vibrant street shopping in Chennai offers a variety of local goods and handicrafts.

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One of the most popular places for street shopping in Chennai is Pondy Bazaar in T. Nagar. It is heaven for those who love bargaining. This busy marketplace is filled with street vendors selling everything from clothing, footwear, and accessories to household items. It’s also a great place to find affordable souvenirs and trinkets.

Distance From Chennai Central Railway Station: 9 km
Timings: 10 AM – 10 PM

2. Express Avenue Mall

Avenue Mall, a place for shopping in Chennai mall features dining and entertainment options.

Photo: Destination8infinity / Wikimedia Commons

For a more upscale experience of shopping in Chennai, head to Express Avenue Mall in Royapettah. This modern mall is one of the largest in Chennai, with a mix of international and Indian brands. Express Avenue also has a wide selection of restaurants, a gaming zone, and one of the largest multiplex cinemas in the city.

Distance From Chennai Central Railway Station: 5 km
Timings: 10 AM – 10 PM

3. VR Mall

Upscale shopping destination with brands, restaurants, and recreational activities.

Photo: Deepak229 / Wikimedia Commons

Located in Anna Nagar, VR Mall is a premium destination for shopping that combines retail therapy with entertainment and dining. With a wide range of stores, from global fashion brands to local boutiques, VR Mall caters to the fashion-conscious shopper. It also boasts a high-tech multiplex, numerous restaurants, and a rooftop event space.

Distance From Chennai Central Railway Station: 10 km
Timings: 10:30 AM – 10 PM

4. Mint Street

 An image of a bustling street in Chennai, known for textiles, jewelry, and local shops.

Photo: Ravichandar84 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

If you’re in the mood for some authentic local shopping in Chennai, Mint Street in Sowcarpet is where you should head. Known for its North Indian community, this street is a busy hub for textiles, spices, jewellery, and sweets. This is also one of the best places for street shopping ifor sarees, especially silk and cotton varieties.

Distance From Chennai Central Railway Station: 2 km
Timings: 10 AM – 9 PM

5. Phoenix Marketcity

An image of Phoenix Marketcity, a shopping complex with retail stores, cinemas, and eateries.

Photo: Trinidade / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Phoenix Marketcity in Velachery is one of the most luxurious malls for shopping in Chennai. This mall offers a wide range of international and domestic brands in fashion, electronics, beauty, and homeware, with a dedicated luxury section for premium shoppers. It also features restaurants, a food court, an IMAX theatre, and a gaming arcade.

Distance From Chennai Central Railway Station: 16 km
Timings: 10 AM – 10 PM

6. Nexus Vijaya Mall

 A glimpse of Nexus Vijaya Mall, a modern mall offering diverse shopping and dining experiences.

Photo: Sira20212 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Nexus Vijaya Mall in Vadapalani is one of Chennai’s busiest, known for its family-friendly atmosphere. It offers a variety of fashion, home decor, and electronics stores, along with a large food court. With a multiplex cinema and a play area for children, Nexus Vijaya Mall is ideal for a day of entertainment, dining, and shopping in Chennai.

Distance From Chennai Central Railway Station: 10 km
Timings: 10 AM – 10 PM

7. Ranganathan Street

Indulge in shopping in Chennai India is famous for affordable shopping and goods

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Ranganathan Street in T. Nagar is famous for its chaotic vibe and endless rows of shops. It’s a popular destination for shopping when looking for traditional clothing, cosmetics, jewelry, and accessories. The street is especially crowded during festivals, adding to its charm. It’s also home to major retail chains such as Saravana Stores.

Distance From Chennai Central Railway Station: 10 km
Timings: 9 AM – 9:30 PM

8. Grand Square

An image of Grand Square in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, which offers a mix of retail and dining.

Photo: WiNG / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Grand Square in Velachery is a relatively smaller mall but offers an excellent selection of stores and services. It is especially popular among locals for its range of affordable fashion outlets and electronic stores. The mall is also known for its food court and gaming zone, making it a favourite for families and young adults shopping in Chennai.

Distance From Chennai Central Railway Station: 17 km
Timings: 10 AM – 10 PM

9. Alsa Mall

 An image of Alsa Mall which is a historic mall featuring a variety of shops and restaurants.

Photo: Tuur Tisseghem / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Alsa Mall, one of Chennai’s oldest shopping malls, holds a nostalgic charm. Located on Montieth Road, this mall still attracts shoppers with its collection of small stores and boutiques offering everything from clothing and shoes to watches and electronics. It’s a great place for budget shopping and also houses some well-known food joints.

Distance From Chennai Central Railway Station: 4 km
Timings: 10 AM – 10 PM

10. Moore Market

An image of Moore Market, an iconic market known for electronics, pets, and food stalls.

Photo: Anna Romanova / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Moore Market, near Chennai Central Railway Station, is an iconic spot for antique lovers, bookworms, and those looking for quirky finds. From old books, rare coins, and stamps to second-hand electronics, this market is a bounty for collectors. While it’s more of a speciality shopping destination, the thrill of finding hidden gems makes Moore Market a must-visit for anyone shopping in Chennai.

Distance From Chennai Central Railway Station: 2 km
Timings: 9 AM – 9:30 PM

Shopping in Chennai is truly a delight, offering a perfect mix of traditional markets, modern malls, and unique speciality stores. Whether you’re on a budget or looking to splurge, there’s something for everyone in the beautiful capital of Tamil Nadu. So, pack your bags and get ready to explore these top shopping destinations in Chennai. Plan a trip with TripXL and make your trip more effortless and enjoyable.

Cover Photo: Biswarup Ganguly / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Frequently Asked Questions

The best time to shop in Chennai is early mornings and late evenings to avoid the afternoon heat.
Yes, bargaining is common in street markets such as Pondy Bazaar and Mint Street.
Chennai is renowned for delightful gifts such as Tanjore paintings, Tanjore dancing dolls, famous terracotta figurines, and intricate bronze ornaments.
Chennai is one of the most affordable major cities to live in India.
Chennai is famous for its delicious delicacies, including idlis, sambhar rice, dosa, bajji, and Pongal, which are beloved by locals and visitors alike.

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